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A Family Photo

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With all the chaos this month there was just no way for me to get out Christmas cards, so at the end of last week I asked Lisa to take our family photo. So here’s my virtual Christmas card to everyone…..even Diesel made it into the photo (and my super-hero jeggings):

Ashley Hackshaw - The Cancer Chronicles

Boo wasn’t too thrilled at first as you might remember from the outtake post but she eventually came around. I wanted a photo before my hair falls out…..it’s not permanent but it will take a while for this much hair to grow back:

Family Photo - Choose Joy - Ashley Hackshaw

I have no idea where yesterday went. I think I went to sleep at about 6pm last night and don’t remember anything until waking up this morning at 7am. I needed that. My mother flies in today for a few weeks. I’m so excited to have her help……but I know it’s exhausting for her as well.

I’ve got some last minute wrapping to finish  today and tomorrow and the rest of the family has taken care of all the cooking and get-togethers for Christmas. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful Christmas.

I’ll be around but wanted to make sure if things got to hectic around here that I remembered to tell you all: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! CHOOSE JOY!


About Ashley Hackshaw

Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. Thank you for reading! Read more in my about section. 

Comments

  10. Stefanie & Josh Jacobson says

    We’re thinking of you Ashley! Great photos. I agree that the desert is perfect in Dec! We’ll be down the week after Christmas to visit Josh’s family and friends. Much love to all of you!

  15. Jennifer Goldberg says

    Beautiful family Ash. Glad to hear your Mom is coming to help out, I am sure she needs you around as much as you need her around. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  16. Tami D. in Ohio says

    Beautiful!!!! We didn’t do Christmas cards this year either. I am thinking maybe we will send out Happy New Year or Valentines instead – lol! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  18. Barbara says

    Merry Christmas! And a Happy Wonderful Healthy New Year! you are blessed. You have a beautiful family.

  20. Chris says

    Yes.. Our little desert is beautiful this time of the year! Happy holidays! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful picture!

  24. Robin says

    you have a gorgeous and wonderful family!
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and much good health and joy for the New Year

  28. Evelyn says

    Merry Christmas to you too!!! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and be able to rest and relax and take it easy surrounded by your family and friends!

  32. Marlene says

    I happened to pop in on your blog from one of your tutorials I saw on Tatertos I believe…I caught up reading all of your posts and all I can say is how remarkable you truly are and how blessed I feel for being able to read your blog and gain strength and inspiration from you. May you, your precious little one and your husband be blessed this holiday season with all of God’s love, grace and mercy. Thinking of you and sending you positive healing thoughts your way. Merry Christmas….a new friend from Tampa FL 🙂 BTW, your holiday photo is absolutely beautiful! you can feel the love!

  34. Kim K. says

    Love your blog! Stay strong sister! I used to live in that area years, and I mean years ago. I lived in Cat City. Have you been to that little Mexican place…El Gallito, right off the main road that goes thru Cathedral City…the best Mexican food ever!
    Love your family pic!

  35. Jennifer says

    Beautiful picture!! I’ve been reading about your journey and love your optimism. (i used to just show up for the crafts.)

    I used to be a drug rep for oncology (just sold appetite stimulants) but am impressed with how much you are doing despite all your chrmo drugs!! Glad you are getting rest. Enjoy your holiday:)

  36. Kathy says

    Ashley – I love the pictures! Thank you for posting. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Wishing you a blessed and healthy new year! (I know you’ll come up with some adorable hair styles once it starts to grow back in. You have a way about you.)

  41. Karissa says

    I started reading your blog a couple of months ago, and wanted to write comments, but never found the words. I opened this post and my husband walked behind me, asking “who is that”. I tried explaining, and my voice broke. You are an example of how we should all be when faced with adversity. I admire how you are battling your cancer with grace, courage, and lots of energy (this past week notwithstanding). I really enjoy reading. Merry Christmas to you and your family. This is a beautiful family portrait.

  42. Marla says

    You are so beautiful – as is your family. And this is from a previous post of yours, but yes, you’re right. . . tell your husband he better not shave his beautiful hair!

  46. Martine says

    Dear Ashley, from Belgium to you and your family ,Merry Christmas and all the best in the next few days.
    You are such a strong person ,an example for all of us.
    Hope you can enjoy the Christmas days with your family.
    Greetings, Martine

  48. Jennifer D. says

    Beautiful picture of a beautiful family!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I hope Santa is good to you all.

  53. Gweny says

    Beautiful family.. Ash you look amazing .. no one would ever know you are going through chemo. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas..

    Blessings, Gweny

  54. Nicole Dein says

    Perfect!! I love the family picture! Merry Christmas and I hope you can enjoy time with your family!

  58. Pietra says

    I’ve been following along your blog for a little while now and I just wanted to take a moment to wish you, and your family, a VERY Merry Christmas. If anyone deserves it this year, it’s all of you!

    You’re an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your days with us so we can be continually inspired. It means a lot to many.

    Blessings from our family to yours,
    Pietra

  65. Meredith M. says

    Merry Christmas sweet family!!! Christ is born!! And can I say not all only are all the humans in that photo ADORABLE but that dog is so so so so cute!! LOVE!

  68. Kelly says

    Wishing you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas. You are always in my thoughts and prayers!

  75. Leigh Ann says

    Merry,Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I would love to come visit Palm Desert too! Hope you and your mom and the rest of your family have a wonderful time together! I love your card. Looks like a lot of true love there! Merry Christmas Ashley!
    Hugs,
    Leigh Ann

  77. Connie says

    Ashley- I recently started following your blog. I just wanted to say how touched I am by your grace and strength. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. I pray that God will grace you with a healing miracle. You are teaching all of us so much. Merry Christmas and Blessings for 2012!

  82. Natalie says

    Merry Christmas, Ashley! You guys make a beautiful family. I am praying for the very best for you. Thanks so much for your inspiration and for sharing with us. It truly makes a difference. Much love.

  83. Cara says

    Yes, Ashley those superhero jeggings are perfect for you! Every day you become my super hero just a little bit more. A very Merry Christmas to you, Mr LBB, Boo and little Diesel too <3

  87. Ruby says

    The best Christmas card I have ever received. You and Boo are so beautiful and Mr. LBB isn’t bad either. Looks like Diesel was on his best behavior. A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you all!!

  88. Leah says

    Gorgeous Pics…Beautiful Family. Thank you for sharing Life and reminding us to Choose Joy. Sending you much love and Merry Christmas 🙂

  91. Claire Daly says

    Gorgeous Photo! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family all the way from Melbourne Australia. May your heart overflow with love and happiness and laughter on Christmas day (and in the background may those cancer conquering ninjas they are injecting into you be doing their thing). You are such an inspiration and my life has more perspoective for following your story. Thankyou,

  92. colleen from alabama says

    Merry Christmas Ashley! May JOY flood your soul, you body and your home as we hang on the cusp of the celebration of the day JOY really came to the world! And may the one who makes all things NEW replace those cancer cells with fresh clean ones that are healed and whole. I don’t know you, but that would bring me GREAT JOY! I’m praying for that today. Merry CHRISTmas!

  94. Vicki Turner says

    Merry Christmas Ashley and family….give my love to your mom. Praying for you everyday. Your picture is absolutely beautiful!!!
    Love, Cousin Vicki

  96. webee75 says

    Beautiful pictures!Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!i pray it is a painfree and joyous day

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